Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz still wants top job at Manchester United

Even though the ink is still wet on his new four-year contract with the
Portuguese national football team, Carlos Queiroz, for so many years the
eyes and ears of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, conceeds that still
harbours ambitions to become the next Manchester United manager.

I'll be back: Carlos Queiroz has admitted he wants to manage UnitedPhoto: EPA

It is no secret that Queiroz, the former No 2 at Old Trafford, hankered after the manager’s role. Indeed, before making his decision to leave the club, the 55-year-old made it clear that he could be persuaded to stay put if given assurances that the manager’s seat would be his on Ferguson’s retirement. However eager United were to retain his services, they were unable to oblige.

With that, Queiroz last week took up the torch at Portugal, committing himself to his national side until 2012. Slightly surprising, then, is his admission that he is still interested in becoming the next United manager.

"If you asked that of a million coaches, I think there is not one single coach in the world who does not have that dream,” he said. “I'm one of those million coaches that shares the dream.”

Where that leaves him with regards to his commitment to Portugal is uncertain. Ferguson revealed earlier this summer that he does not expect to continue to push back his retirement, timetabling a departure within the next two seasons. Should Queiroz be offered the post, he would have to renege on his contract with the Portuguese Football Federation.

Whether or not that is a viable option, Queiroz certainly wants to keep the club and fans on his side.

“I had a fantastic time with a great club and it was a privilege to work with such fantastic players and with Sir Alex," he said. "To be part of his family was such a huge feeling, so to make the decision to leave for a second time was really very difficult.

"It was a very tough decision [to leave]. But I hope and think that people understand that the challenge of being the coach of your own country is one you cannot ignore."

With perhaps his future job prospects in mind, Queiroz was diplomacy personified when drawn on his impressions of the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo predicament.

He said: "I'm sure that everybody knows that Sir Alex has great skills and authority as manager, so once he is saying that [Ronaldo will not be sold], it says he is confident in the situation."

Naturally, Queiroz still maintains his relationship with Ronaldo, who is still sending mixed messages about where he intends to be next season. Queiroz adopts a neutral stance where the winger is concerned.

“I haven’t spoken to Cristiano in a few days but we’re friends and have been in touch,” he said. “Do I expect him to stay? As far as I know, I don’t expect things to change but that’s a question that needs to be addressed to the club.

“Would I advise him to stay for one more season? When I talk to players my advice is between me and them. I will not express my opinion in a public way.”